Australian MP Haines critical after vehicle attack

Australian MP Helen Haines is ⁠in a critical condition after being deliberately struck by a car outside her office in Wangaratta, police and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

Victoria Police said a 43-year-old man had been arrested after the attack on the independent MP in Wangaratta, ‌which is around 200km northwest of Melbourne.

Ms Haines, 65, was airlifted to hospital, Mr Albanese said.

"All of our thoughts are with Helen, her family, her friends, her team, and her community at this extremely ‌difficult time. We are praying for her full recovery," he told a press ⁠conference.

Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason ‌told a press conference there was no further threat ⁠to ‌the public.

Mr Albanese said it was too early to determine the motive for the attack, though a terrorism taskforce would ⁠be investigating the arrested suspect.

"Helen Haines is incredibly hardworking. She is fiercely intelligent, but most importantly, she's just a thoroughly decent human being," Mr Albanese said.

"We thank the swift assistance of ⁠bystanders and the dedicated health workers who assisted her, and police for their response," a statement by Haines' family posted on her Facebook page said.